Behaviour of cold-formed steel lipped channel sections subject to eccentric axial compression

The use of light-gauge steel framed (LSF) wall systems in low- and mid-rise buildings has increased due to the fast clean construction robust structural performance. Cold-formed studs used as primary load-bearing component LSF walls are often subjected combined axial compression bending actions caused by loading eccentricity. Research on effects eccentricity capacity been limited while currently AS/NZS 4600 AISI-S100 DSM design guidelines significantly underestimate load bearing capacities. In this study, 35 lipped channel columns 0.6 1.5 m lengths were tested under concentric varying levels eccentric resulting versus shortening curves failure modes analysed. Non-linear finite element models developed validated using test results. Comparison ultimate capacities obtained from tests analyses against those predicted showed that current whereas a closer agreement was improved proposed recent research study. This paper recommends method enable economical safe designs. • Conducted thin-walled high strength sections. Proposed new setup clamping mechanism for conducting columns. Developed FE sections subject large eccentricities up 75 mm. Investigated accuracy beam-column equations thin channels. Demonstrated benefits buckling local, distortional, local-distortional global modes.